Why these 4 Critically Endangered Vulture Species in India are declining?
By iastoppers.com
Four out of nine vulture species in India are classified as 'Critically Endangered' on the IUCN Red List, signaling a severe threat to their existence
The decline in vulture populations is primarily attributed to the veterinary drug diclofenac, which is toxic to vultures and is present in animal carcasses they feed on
Found throughout the Indian subcontinent, the medium-sized raptor with white feathers and a dark torso is 'Critically Endangered.'
The Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus)
Characterized by long, slender necks and pale underparts, these vultures prefer grasslands and forests, nesting in tall trees
Slender-billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris)
Distributed throughout India, except for the western Himalayas, and is recognized by its bare, red head and legs, and dark plumage
Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus)
Commonly seen near human-occupied spaces, these medium-sized vultures have white neck ruffs and black/brown plumage, nesting on trees and cliffs
White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)
Conservation efforts have been initiated to curb the decline, including measures to restrict the use of diclofenac and address other threats faced by vultures